Best of South Tyrol & Dolomites

After your flight from the UK to Verona, pick up your included hire car and begin the idyllic drive to Merano. Be sure to stop along the way for scenic photo opportunities. There's also options to hike in the stunning plains of the Texelgruppe National Park, with views of the dwarfing crags of the Schnalstal Valley. On arrival in the idyllic location, where verdant mountains frame vineyards in lush valley bottoms.

After breakfast your self-drive continues as you head west from Merano, first stopping in Katharinaberg, lying soaringly above a valley on a hill overlooking mountain peaks, deep valleys and fairytale castles. Continue along the way at the historic town of Glurns, the smallest town in South Tyrol, all medieval architecture, historic tree-lined colonnades and charming laneways. Other highlights include the Romanesque San Procolo Church in Naturns, the charming villages of Latsch and Laas, and the narrow streets of historic Rabland. Then return via winding roads to Merano, where boundless spas lie alongside scenic gardens and Art Nouveau buildings, dwarfed by the surrounding mountains. Tonight, enjoy the delights of your hotel, the valley top grandeur of Castel Fragsburg, featuring, naturally, an excellent spa, alongside sprawling, modern rooms. 

Today, enjoy the delights of Merano, walking the Tappeiner promenade that snakes above the city offering panoramic vistas, followed by the winding Meraner Hoehenweg, reached via a spectacular cable car ride. Then, continue to the stunning Dorf Tirol, a charming town dominated by a 12th century castle. This afternoon, explore the wonderful landscaped gardens of the imposing Trauttmansdorff, or bike ride along the verdant paths of the Passeiertal Valley. Then, perhaps indulge in the hotel's plethora of saunas and explore the town's eateries, offering a range of fine Italian cuisine surrounded by a stunning mountainscape.

Today, continue your road trip and head to Bolzano. Highlights along the way include the spectacular Messner Mountain Museum, nestled among soaring peaks and designed to educate visitors on 'man's encounter with mountains'; the Museum of Archaeology, featuring the story of the Iceman and his original artefacts; and Bolzano's stunning cathedral, historic castles, medieval streets and Gothic architecture, dominated by hilly vineyards, valleys and the snow-topped Dolomites. Tonight, you'll stay the ParkHotel Laurin, whose castle-like facade features a combination of Art Nouveau and contemporary design, surrounded by a private park and outdoor swimming pool. The hotel's onsite restaurant is not to be missed, featuring such creative delights as local beef tartar with edamame beams, char from the Eggental valley, lobster with broccoli cream and roasted scallop.

Stay: ParkHotel Laurin (Superior)

After breakfast, you'll drive the winding, valley-surrounded roads to reach the snow-topped peaks of the Dolomites and St Ulrich, taking a cable car to 6000ft above sea level for spectacular mountain vistas. Marvel at the Alpe di Siusi, the biggest high-alpine pasture in Europe, where verdant meadows sprawl perched with hundreds of grazing cows, surrounded by 10,000 ft high mountains such as the imposing Langkofel and Plattkofel. We recommend an easy 3-5 hour hike that sees you start among pretty mountain huts before descending through some of the prettiest and most dramatic landscapes in South Tyrol.

Stay: ParkHotel Laurin (Superior)

After breakfast head east to "the only luxury gourmet hotel in the heart of the Dolomites", whilst enjoying the wine cellar with over 75,000 different wines, a local cheese room and chocolate workshop, soak up the gorgeous views of its Dolomites surrounds from the comfort of your balcony. Expect everything from pine furnishings to spa facilities and an indoor pool.

Explore the surrounding mountains and flower filled meadows on hikes and drives, or enjoy an alfresco picnic of locally sourced cheeses and cured meats, grappa and local wines in a mountain hut or "malghe", the name stems from about 1895 and defines where shepherds kept cattle in summer months, reached on foot or by a cable car.

After a last included breakfast, drive to to Venice Marco Polo Airport to return your hire car and board your flight home.